A DREAM of studying at one of America's top universities is a big step closer for one Chelmsford woman who has won a place on a special tuition programme.
Katherine Baker sat the first of two admission tests for US universities last weekend, and in August she will spend a week on campus in Yale getting a taste of college life Stateside.
The 18-year-old from Galleywood is one of only 150 young people to be selected from 1,200 applicants for the US Sutton Trust Programme, a no fee scheme which helps UK students win places at famous American universities such as Yale, Harvard and Princeton, and aids them in landing large scholarships to greatly subsidise the costs.
"I applied for this scheme because it is an opportunity that is one of a kind – there are no other organisations that offer such amazing support and guidance for free," explained Katherine, who went to Great Baddow High until she was 16 and is now taking five A levels at Colchester Royal Grammar School.
On August 3 Katherine flies out to the US for a week staying on campus at Yale University. She said: "I will be able to attend lectures there and look at so many more universities, such as Harvard, Princeton and Columbia in New York.
"I would like to major in history but with the liberal arts curriculum out there, I can virtually study whatever I want and that is what inspired me to choose the US. I will be able to study a language, as well as a science and maths. This breadth really appeals to me."
With the help of an online tutor and regular residential learning sessions, Katherine is being coached to sit the ACT exam which she takes on Saturday, and the SAT which she will sit in the autumn.
These exams, which last for up to five hours, test a student's knowledge of English, grammar, science and maths.
The results of these and her A-level grades will determine whether she lands a place – but the US universities also look at her hobbies and interests.
Katherine said: "The US places much more emphasis on extra-curricular activities than the UK universities, so it's important you show you have outside interests.
"I have been dancing since I was very young, am doing the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and I run a suicide prevention blog online, offering advice to depressed young people."
